[Spencer518]

In the US you get what cruzer666 posted. Says you are in Idaho so that is what you will get. You posted a picture of the hitch they get in Europe and perhaps other markets.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by cruzer666

This is what you get from factory in the US.

This oem "box style" hitch is the most versatile hitch system you can get. The amount of universal accessories that slide into it is staggering. From every bike carrier to platforms, etc..... Its a no brainer to get this option for its oem price. Even if you only need to use it as a emergency tow point, for you or others, its worth it as you now can be pull others out of a snow bank, etc...

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by Beemertj

Guys, the unit I posted is what BMW will install in my area. I had no idea it was NOT the tube type. Wherever you are getting the tube type as an add-on from BMW, WHERE is it that you are getting that, from BMW?

If you order tow package from BMW, it comes with the tube hitch receiver

[Beemertj]

Thank you guys. I think I'll cancel the order then.

I'm on the phone now with Peterson BMW in Boise. What a mess....

Thank God for this website, I can't imagine getting the silly European one.

So, VIN doesn't show a boxed version available.....Anyone have a part number???

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by Beemertj

Thank you guys. I think I'll cancel the order then.

I'm on the phone now with Peterson BMW in Boise. What a mess....

Thank God for this website, I can't imagine getting the silly European one.

So, VIN doesn't show a boxed version available.....Anyone have a part number???

You can maybe figure out parts needed on realoem.com, but I'd recommend going to a retailer like getbmwparts.com and asking them what is needed. I looked for a kit and there isn't one available. But you can potentially order all parts individually. Just remember you may also have to change some of the rear bumper to have that fit.

[AlinDenver]

This really confuses me. I don’t understand how an order placed with a dealer in Idaho resulted in a European trailer hitch.

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by AlinDenver

This really confuses me. I don’t understand how an order placed with a dealer in Idaho resulted in a European trailer hitch.

It's not a European trailer hitch, it's a US retrofit tow hitch. See attached picture, I'm assuming that's what was ordered. This retrofit doesn't require you to change the bumper assembly, but there's no tube receiver like in the factory tow package.

[AlinDenver]

Originally Posted by cruzer666

It's not a European trailer hitch, it's a US retrofit tow hitch. See attached picture, I'm assuming that's what was ordered. This retrofit doesn't require you to change the bumper assembly, but there's no receiver like in the factory tow package.

Thanks for that!

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by AlinDenver

This really confuses me. I don’t understand how an order placed with a dealer in Idaho resulted in a European trailer hitch.

+1 on this. Why would you get a European model when ordering from inside US. Also where did you build your order? bmwusa.com only has the tow package with square tube design hitch.

[Drothgeb]

Draw-Tite makes a 2” receiver style hitch for the X5. It’s around $200. It’s even WD rated.

[TXDroneRacer]

I have visited Europe many times. I don't care what you call it. That image shown above "US retrofit" looks exactly like the hitches I see on many cars in Europe and Scandinavia.

I ordered an X5 M50 with the hitch option. Order was submitted the end of January. If the X5 comes with a European style "US retrofit" hitch, I will refuse to accept the vehicle.

The text also says up to 8/2020. I bet you can't get that "retrofit" hitch on a 2021 anyways.

I visited several dealerships in December and January. All the X5's with the hitch option are 2" squares.

[Stoshu]

My 2021 X5 M50i ordered at the end of November, delivered beginning of December has the OEM hitch which is the 2” square (US) receiver.

[cruzer666]

TXDroneRacer, nobody said that the vehicles come with the European style hitch from factory in the US. They all come with the 2" tube receiver. The part number Beemertj ordered happened to be an European style US retrofit hitch for their X5, so ordered canceled.

[Beemertj]

The parts guy looked and looked and there are zero box style “BMW factory” hitch’s order able in the US.

What a bunch of shizzle.

[jad03060]

The OEM towing package in the US gives you the upgraded front brakes, the square receiver, and the electrical package. BMW used to put the make ready kit in all of the X5’s, but they stopped for 2021. So, retrofitting a hitch, while possible, is expensive especially if you want their electronics since it’s not just a plug in, it requires a different harness to be installed, then the factory towing electronics. There are some aftermarket hitch kits that will make the lamps work, but they will not interface with the vehicle directly to enable the stability control, allow the computer to monitor the lights for proper function, or automatically turn off the rear PDC sensors and probably a few other things. Getting it installed in the factory is a bargain, as unless you are willing to install it yourself, the labor will easily cost more than the factory system that then will also be covered by the warranty and have full functionality.

The Euro gooseneck ball hitch is neat, and you can install a bike carrier, but you won’t find.any compatible ones sold in the USA, which means importing them. It fits on the gooseneck and has some brackets the keep it from just flopping over from what I can tell (haven’t seen one, just rad about them).

Any retrofit hitch will come out the bottom and put the trailer or bike rack lower to the ground, which could be an issue when going over a bump or up or down a steeper ramp.

[sfscott]

Two words: Stealth Hitch

[njapilot1]

I just got my car, only had it in the garage for about ten hours before it went to a detailer for PPF and ceramic so I haven't had much time to play with it. Will having a bike rack in the trailer hitch disable any of the assisted driving features? I understand that hooking up lights will disable lane keeping assist, etc. but does the bike rack set off the parking sensors or anything? I'm planning on using the bike rack or a hitch mounted possible storage container/rack without lights.

[jad03060]

Having a rack without enabling trailer mode (done automatically if you plug in something to the trailer electronics) will give you warnings any time you go into reverse from the PDC sensors. And yes, once in trailer mode, some of the safety features are disabled, while those related to actually towing a trailer will be enabled (stability control, for example).

[njapilot1]

Originally Posted by jad03060

Having a rack without enabling trailer mode (done automatically if you plug in something to the trailer electronics) will give you warnings any time you go into reverse from the PDC sensors. And yes, once in trailer mode, some of the safety features are disabled, while those related to actually towing a trailer will be enabled (stability control, for example).

Okay. That makes sense. Thanks!

[qibdip]

Hello everyone.... I’ve had my 2019 G05 for about a year. First timer and newbie. I had a Drawtite Hitch installed so I could tow my bikes around. Now, I’d like the option to tow a trailer - nothing big - like a uHaul 5’x8’ covered trailer.

Could you please help me with what wiring harness and accessories are needed for me to be legal and not hurt the vehicle.

Thank you....

Originally Posted by jad03060

The OEM towing package in the US gives you the upgraded front brakes, the square receiver, and the electrical package. BMW used to put the make ready kit in all of the X5’s, but they stopped for 2021. So, retrofitting a hitch, while possible, is expensive especially if you want their electronics since it’s not just a plug in, it requires a different harness to be installed, then the factory towing electronics. There are some aftermarket hitch kits that will make the lamps work, but they will not interface with the vehicle directly to enable the stability control, allow the computer to monitor the lights for proper function, or automatically turn off the rear PDC sensors and probably a few other things. Getting it installed in the factory is a bargain, as unless you are willing to install it yourself, the labor will easily cost more than the factory system that then will also be covered by the warranty and have full functionality.

The Euro gooseneck ball hitch is neat, and you can install a bike carrier, but you won’t find.any compatible ones sold in the USA, which means importing them. It fits on the gooseneck and has some brackets the keep it from just flopping over from what I can tell (haven’t seen one, just rad about them).

Any retrofit hitch will come out the bottom and put the trailer or bike rack lower to the ground, which could be an issue when going over a bump or up or down a steeper ramp.

[jad03060]

THere are various CANBUS compatible trailer wiring, passive connections. None of those will enable the full functionality for towing except the physical interface and activating the lights. To get the full functionality requires the OEM interface box, and, unfortunately on the 2021 MY, the prep for that is no longer included, so you need to change the base harness as well. The OEM interface will automatically enable trailer stability control, turn off the rear PDC sensors (and annoying beeps), be able to detect a trailer light out, enable a new camera mode to help you align the hitch to the trailer ball, and maybe some other features, I’m not aware of.

The actual hitch you probably have at least a few options, but aftermarket, the Stealth Hitch is a neat solution. One other forum member has a post identifying the part numbers of what’s required so rather than repeating them here, search that out. It will cost you a bunch more than the OEM one installed at the factory in just parts, then, more if you can’t do the work yourself.

Now, can you live without the trailer stability logic? Probably, until a situation you hope never happens causes an accident, then you’ll wish you had it, assuming your still around. You have to decide on the cost/benefit/risk ratio you’re happy with.

[hlothery]

Originally Posted by Beemertj

Why do I need to buy a trailer for two or three mountain bikes, when there are 100 or so 2" adaptable hitch units on the market?

This seems crazy to me. I cannot imagine putting 2 or 3 mountain bikes on a roof.

BMW seems to have really missed the boat on this hitch.

I missed something here......or you did. There is no reason why you cannot carry bikes on a hitch mounted rack. Pulling utilitiy trailers is for cargo, yard machines, etc. You can pull boats, campers, almost anything you want. You can certainly carry bikes on a hitch mounted rack.